New Zealand star batter Kane Williamson emphasised that his side will not be paying too much attention to India’s familiarity with the Dubai ground ahead of their Champions Trophy final clash, citing it as something beyond their control. Williamson wants his team to perform well irrespective of the venue, while also acknowledging that India can be a threat in any conditions.
After beating South Africa by 50 runs in an action-packed semi-final on March 5courtesy of centuries from both Williamson (102) and Rachin Ravindra (108)New Zealand secured a spot in the final against India. The two sides have already met once in the tournament, where India claimed a 44-run victory in the group stage. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Williamson dismissed concerns over India’s advantage of having played all their matches in Dubai, stating that such factors are “part and parcel of the game.”
“Yeah definitely the conditions are a lot different but you know that’s sort of the nature of the beast I think in any tournament that you have, conditions change a little bit throughout. For us, it was nice to have that last match against India. There’s some really good bits there. India are an outstanding team and playing really well. So, look, it’s important we try and take away some learnings from that last game. Park this match, and in a final, anything can happen. And it was a great atmosphere last game and I’m sure it’ll be a good one again,” Williamson said.
“It is what it is (India playing in Dubai). Our focus is the next match, the location of that match, the opposition, they’re all factors. Obviously, we played India there once. The conditions are different, so it’s important that we try and take away some of those positives and be nice and clear in how we’re trying to operate come two- or three-days’ time in the final. It’s the nature of it and we’re looking forward to the final and excited about it,” he added.
